Meadowbank Revisited - Dorking vs. Windsor

The stand and clubhouse at Meadowbank

Last Tuesday, I made a second visit to Meadowbank for Dorking's home game against Windsor in the Combined Counties Premier League. On that occasion it was to see Bookham host Horley at their adopted home. It was also my second visit to Dorking this season after seeing Dorking Wanderers in the Sussex County League. The previous Saturday, Dorking had lost 9-0 away at Camberley which lead to the manager leaving his post. Windsor were desperate for a win to retain any faint hope they had of catching Guildford City at the top of the league.

Windsor attack in the first half.

Windsor arrive late due to serious congestion on the M25 and are going though their warm up drills right up to the first whistle. The late arrival doesn't seem to have affected them too much as they create chance after chance. They eventually take the lead mid way through the half with a snap shot on the turn from the edge of the box. Windsor create a few more chances but are made to pay just before half time when Dorking get an equaliser. The second half is very end to with both teams having chances to win the game but Dorking hold on for a deserved point.

Other areas of cover at Meadowbank.

Dorking Station is a about a fifteen minute steady walk away from Meadowbank. Trains depart from Waterloo and the journey takes just under an hour and trains depart every half hour. On the way to the ground I took a small detour in to the town centre. On the High Street is the The Surrey Yeoman which was decent enough but very expensive (over £4 for a bottle of Bulmers). The clubhouse is quite large and has a large selection of drinks.

Another view of the stand.

First Midweek Game - Bookham vs. Horley Town (At Dorking FC)

For my first Tuesday night game of the season I went to Dorking's Meadowbank to see Bookham's home game with Horley Town. Bookham were struggling at the bottom of the league without a league win and a goal difference of  - 16 and Horley Town were in mid table. It looked an away banker.

View from the main stand.

The match started in the pouring rain and the long grass made flowing football quite difficult. Despite this Bookham manage to attack their opponents. Horley also create a few chances of their own and the game becomes quite end to end. After about 20 minutes Bookham get a free kick on the edge of the box and the ball is smashed home. After this Horley game in to the game and they eventually got a cracking equaliser. Sam Lyons volleying in following a cross from the left. The Bookham keeper made a few more saves and the teams were level at half time.

View over the dugouts towards the main stand.

Early in the second half Horley Town were awarded a penalty for a foul on the Horley forward. This penalty kick was dispatched and Horley completed their comeback. Bookham pushed forward for an equaliser. Their right full back Sam Currie bombing forward at every opportunity. Unfortunately for Bookham it was only in the final few minutes where they really worried the Horley goal. They managed to hold out for their third league win of the season. On this performance I don't think Bookham will have to wait too long for their first.

Cover behind one goal.

The ground is about 15 minutes walk from Dorking Main railway station which is served by trains from London Waterloo and takes around 50 minutes. The ground is also a very short walk from the town centre where there are several pubs. Special mention has to be given to the volunteers in the club house and the burger bar who were very friendly and welcoming.

View from behind one goal towards main stand and additional cover.